Lechance

Santiago had taken time to go inspect all of his tools, something he normally did later in the season but he'd decided he'd rather not take a chance. Finding some of them lacking in a proper blade, he loaded them into a small wheelbarrow and made his way into town.

He propped the barrow outside the smithy and went inside in search of the town's blacksmith.

He'd arrived too late in the season to plant much of anything, but once he had chosen his house he'd been able to get a few fall crops in. Squash, peas, some tomatoes. He was still learning the growing season.

Still, it wouldn't make a difference if he didn't have his equipment in working order and his hoe was in dire need of a sharper edge. He lofted it to his shoulder and headed toward the blacksmith's, taking him time to look in shop windows along the way.

He raised his hat as someone approached. "Good day."

A bouquet of flowers is delivered to Hattie earlier in the week with a card that says:

Ms. Palmer - It was a pleasure to get to know you better. I hope you'll accept these wildflowers from the hills beyond the town as a sign of thanks. They are of humble origins but they are as close to the colors of my island as I could find.

Sincerely,
Santiago de la Vega

The air was crisp, the sky a clear blue and the marketplace was buzzing with news as parts of conversations drifted across the gathering.

"Did you hear? The sheriff's gone missing!"

"Well I heard they've asked that Jonas Wilder to step in, be in charge."

"I went out to look at that rift my children heard about. It doesn't look safe at all. I've forbidden them to go out there again."

"And then he just hugged him, right there!"

The crowd fell silent as an elaborately dressed woman with a large piece of paper rang a bell and stepped into the middle of space. Her red and gold robe, white breeches, black boots and a tricorne hat caught everyone's attention.

"Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!" she shouted in a voice that could be heard throughout the market. "These are the proclamations, bylaws, market days adverts and sundry notes of importance for the City of LeChance for the week of September the twenty-first, in the year of our grace eighteen hundred and seventy-three, the right and honorable LeRoy LeChance, mayor, and spoken by your most humble servant Anastacia Mason on this twenty-fifth day of that month."

She paused to catch her breath and to make sure all were paying attention, then glanced at her paper.

"The mayor would have it noted that in the absence of Sheriff William Bowbuck, he has asked Chief Deputy Jonas Wilder to act in his stead and has given him all rights and privileges of that office until such a time that William Bowbuck should be recovered or his body found. The mayor commands all residents to accord Acting Sheriff Wilder with the respect and allegiance due that office."

"Furthermore, anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of William Bowbuck or details of his disappearance should present themselves immediately at the sheriff's office for inquiry."

Another pause and the town crier looked around the crowd. This part was sure to get a reaction if for no other reason than that it broke a long-standing tradition.

"Furthermore, in his office and capacity as yenta, the honorable and worthy LeRoy Lechance would have these Marriage Banns read and announced for the first time:

Mr. Jonathon Stanton to Mr. Benjamin Simoneaux
Mr. Jonathan Ibis to Miss Effield Gallehawk
Miss Delphina Salas to Miss Harriet Palmer
Mr. Julien MacKallister to Mr. Theodore Nordstrom

If there are those among you who know reasons why these matches should not be allowed to progress, they are commanded to present themselves to the yenta to give such information as is right and proper."

A few more minor announcements about sales and market hours and the woman rolled her paper and made a final salute before moving through the crowd. She would repeat the news throughout the town all day but she knew most of it would be spread before she got to her next post.

Santiago had had his suit pressed, arranged for the services of Mr. Montrose again and consulted him on the suitability of his plan. He found he was slightly more relaxed this time around and thought it was perhaps because he'd already made the acquaintance of Miss Palmer. She'd been charming at the dance and he hoped she wouldn't mind walking out with him.

He waited in the lobby with Mr. Montrose after he sent his card up to her, hat in hand, and tried not to appear nervous.

Once Santiago received the newest letter from Mr. LeChance, he sent out one of his own.

Ms. Palmer --

It would be my honor to call upon you this Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 if such a time proves to be convenient for you.

I look forward to talking with you again,
Mr. Santiago de le Vega

Santiago was in the general store, looking for supplies. He'd moved into his house and while he'd brought some things, it was still sparse. He didn't want to completely fill it until he had met the person who might become his match.

He smiled at the Two Spirit who ran the store as he turned the corner, only to draw up short when he almost ran into someone.

"My apologies," he said.

Santiago was pleased to find that his one suit of good clothes had survived his travels with no need of repairs. He inspected himself in the mirror carefully and hoped Miss Effield Gallehawk would not fault him for his lack of a decent pair of gloves.

He greeted Mr. Herman Montrose, the Two Spirit who was to be chaperone for this call, and they chatted little on the short walk to Ms. Sheedy's hotel. Once there, he took off his hat, presented his card to be taken up to Miss Gallehawk to inform her of his presence and went in to the parlor to wait.

Santiago's cards were plain and unadorned. His handwriting was strong and bold; he took care to make his note readable.

Ms. Gallehawk --

It would be my pleasure to call upon you Friday afternoon at 3:30 if such a time proves to be convenient for you.

Thank you,
Mr. Santiago de le Vega

( Letters to Ascendants )

( Beloved )

Like many of the Ascendents who were new in town, Santiago had gone to search for a suitable house. He'd chosen one further out from town, closer to the beach, with a bit of land for farming. He could see the ocean from the upper floor and knew that if he left the windows open at night, he would catch the salty smell on the breeze.

He was walking back into town when he saw someone struggling with some packages. "Please, let me assist you," he said as he hurried toward them.

The market square was covered in a large tent, glittering candles lighting up the green and the cobblestoned area. There was a feast, laid out for all new arrivals from the week before. Not all of the city were there by any means, though all had been invited. Still. The party was some 500 strong, food was readily available wine flowed, and there was dancing, a live band playing lively music.